Quicker security screening coming to JWA

Nov. 16, 2012

Updated Aug. 21, 2013 1:17 p.m.

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Julia McGuinnis from the Transportation Security Administration talks about the TSA's Pre-Check program with Rino and Patricia LaRosa of San Clemente in John Wayne Airport's terminal A on Thursday. KEN STEINHARDT, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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An arriving passenger notices the information table next to the security line in Terminal A where travelers can get information about TSA's Pre-Check program to select frequent travelers who can sign up for a quicker and easier security screening process. The program will begin at the airport next month. KEN STEINHARDT, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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A business traveler signs up for a quicker and easier security screening process that will begin at the airport next month with Julia McGuinnis of the Transportation Security Administration. McGuinnis and Customs and Border Protection officer Chris Tom share information about the Pre-Check program in John Wayne Airport's terminal A to select frequent travelers. KEN STEINHARDT, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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A small TSA Pre-Check card is displayed on an information table at John Wayne Airport's terminal A on Thursday. Select frequent travelers will be able to sign up for a quicker and easier security screening process that will begin at the airport next month. KEN STEINHARDT, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Customs and Border Protection officer Chris Tom helps explain the new Pre-Check program to travelers in John Wayne Airport's terminal A. KEN STEINHARDT, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Julia McGuinnis of the Transportation Security Administration helps Bob Toung of Newport Beach sign up to be notified when local TSA Pre-Check security screenings will be taking place in Orange County. Select frequent travelers will be able to sign up for a quicker, easier security screening process that will begin at the airport next month. KEN STEINHARDT, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Julia McGuinnis from the Transportation Security Administration talks about the TSA's Pre-Check program with Rino and Patricia LaRosa of San Clemente in John Wayne Airport's terminal A on Thursday.KEN STEINHARDT, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Select John Wayne Airport travelers will be able to take advantage of a quicker, easier security screening process beginning in mid-December under a program set up by the Transportation Security Administration, the airport announced.

The new Pre-Check program prescreens eligible passengers who will be diverted to a separate line for expedited security screening. Unlike the typical security process, Pre-Check travelers will be able to keep their shoes, light outerwear and belts on. They also won't have to take out their laptops or small liquid containers for inspection.

The TSA program is available to three groups of travelers. U.S. citizens traveling within the country who are select frequent flyers with Alaska, American, Delta, United and US Airways will be eligible. U.S. citizens who are members of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler programs, including Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS, also will be able to use it. As of Nov. 15, Canadians in the NEXUS program also can participate in Pre-Check for travel within the U.S.

Passengers in the program will be prescreened and diverted to a separate security line based on special coding on their boarding passes. These travelers will be able to keep their shoes, light outerwear and belts on. They also won't have to take their laptops or their small liquid containers out for inspection.

Registration for the Pre-Check program is free. Global Entry, which makes re-entering the U.S. quicker after international travel, costs $100 but is good for five years. Participants in the Global Entry program must complete an online application, undergo a background check, submit fingerprints and complete an interview with a Customs and Border Protection officer.

John Wayne will be the 35th airport in the country to have the Pre-Check system. About 4 million travelers have registered nationwide.

"We think TSA Pre-Check will be very well received by our passengers," said Airport Director Alan Murphy. "Convenience is the hallmark of our airport and this program will make it even more convenient to use John Wayne Airport."

Travelers who want to learn more about the Pre-Check and Global Entry programs can go to a pop-up information center that will be open outside the security checkpoint in John Wayne's Terminal A on Mondayand Wednesday.

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